This Organized Life: Decluttering Tips for Moms, Entrepreneurs and Professional Organizers

Hey friends!Ever had that longing for a captivating book to whisk you away from the daily grind, only to struggle finding the time? Well, fret not! Carving out some quality reading time, especially during vacations, can work wonders for your soul.We get it, life can be hectic, and reading may seem like a luxury you can't afford. But let me tell you, the benefits of books and audiobooks are totally worth it. They provide a much-needed mental and emotional break, allowing you to unwind and recharge.Now, here's the exciting part: exploring different genres can transform you into an active reader, taking your reading experience to new heights. It's like embarking on a thrilling adventure that temporarily liberates your mind from the endless to-do list.If you're wondering how to squeeze in some reading time, we've got you covered with a few handy tips:Make a commitment to find a book that truly grabs your interest and dedicate time to read it cover to cover.Opt for a genre that transports you to a different world, giving you a break from the monotony of everyday life.Find a specific time in your day that works best for you, whether it's in the morning, during a rejuvenating break, or right before bedtime.And guess what? Simply B Organized has curated an incredible Goodreads list filled with a wide range of book recommendations across various genres. It's like having a treasure trove of literary gems at your fingertips.So, my dear friends, it's time to reclaim the joy of reading. Let those pages (or audio files) be your escape, your solace, and your source of inspiration. Dive into a world of imagination, knowledge, and sheer enjoyment. You deserve it!Happy reading, and until next time!Xo LaurieGOOD READS LIST

Hi Friends, Joining me today is Kimberly Beall, Kimberly is the owner of Beleza Counseling LLC where she has been counseling adolescents, adults, and families for over 10 years. She also happens to be my personal therapist, as well as Logan’s-so suffice it to say that we are big fans!When I shared with Kimberly during one of our sessions that we were working on this series on Clutter and ADHD I knew I had to have her the show!During our conversation Kimberly shares some scientific facts about how the ADHD brain works and the ripple effects in areas specific to:ClutterDisorganizationTime Blindness“Now vs Not Now”Executive FunctionAnxietyDepressionOCDWe talked about things you should avoid saying to your ADHD loved one and the importance of creating and maintaining specific routines.Kimberly shares some specific strategies for you to keep in your toolbox as you navigate life. There’s so much more we know about ADHD than we did 10, 20, or 30 years ago. Just because your brain works differently doesn’t mean that you are destined to live a life filled with noise and distraction. Removing unnecessary physical items from your home is a pivotal step in creating the mental space to live a peaceful life. If you know someone who can benefit from this episode, please click the share button. The more people we are able to connect with, the more we are able to empower others to live a calm, simple and organized life.XOXO-LaurieP.S. Are you already subscribed to our show on YouTube? If not, would you please do us a favor and help us grow our audience by clicking HERECONNECT WITH KIMBERLYWEBSITE Kimberly’s Book Recommendations:ADHD 2.0The ADD/ADHD ChecklistBorn A Crime: Stories from a South African ChildhoodOther Links Mentioned in this Episode:Curious about the connection between personality types and clutter? Our groundbreaking Enneagram and Clutter framework helps to explain why some people struggle with clutter and what to do about it. Get 10% off the entire Enneagram & Clutter framework or any of the mini types using code ENNEAGRAM10.

Hey FriendsYou know what's a game-changer for simplifying family life? Creating a family shared calendar. Trust me, it's a total lifesaver. And here's the best part: I'm gonna spill all the juicy details on how to make it work like a charm.First things first, forget about those old-school paper planners. Digital calendars are where it's at! They're way more reliable and easier to manage. Plus, in this digital age, it just makes sense to embrace the convenience of technology.Now, let me share a little secret that has made my family calendar a visual delight. Color-coding, my friends! Assign a unique color to each family member's activities and schedules. It's like creating your very own rainbow of organization. I've got green for work, purple for Logan, blue for Josh, and orange for Zoe. It's a simple trick, but trust me, it makes things so much easier to manage at a glance.But why is a shared calendar so important, you ask? Well, it's all about fostering healthy communication and teamwork within the family. When everyone is on the same page and aware of each other's commitments, it's like magic. You can avoid those pesky conflicts and keep the family running smoothly.And here's the cool part: this shared calendar isn't just for us grown-ups. Even the kids can get in on the action! As soon as they're old enough to handle a device with internet access, they can have access to the family calendar too. It's a fantastic way to teach them responsibility, time management, and consideration for others. Plus, it helps them avoid over-scheduling and understand that the world doesn't revolve around them (even though they're our little superstars).Now, don't get me wrong, a shared calendar isn't a substitute for good old-fashioned communication. It's simply a tool that maximizes our time and keeps everyone in the loop. But hey, if you have roommates or share responsibilities with others, you can even create a roommate calendar. The possibilities are endless!So there you have it, my friends. My tip of the week is to create a family shared calendar using a digital platform. It's all about simplifying our crazy lives, boosting communication, and working together as a team. And remember, don't forget to color-code for that extra touch of organization and fun!If you have any questions or want to share your own shared calendar triumphs, reach out to me on social media or join our awesome Facebook group. Let's keep the conversation going!

Hi Friends,Today’s guest is no stranger to our show, not only is she the voice of our intro, but she’s our Enneagram 4, concert loving, Logan Palau.Last time Logan was on our show, she was a rising Junior in High School and a lot has happened since then. During our conversation Logan talks aboutManaging life in college living on her own in an apartmentWhat it feels like to live with ADHD on a daily basisThe difference in mood, focus and energy between an organized vs a cluttered spaceStrategies that help keep her organized (specifically when it comes to planners!)The importance of self-advocacy and how parents can help to empower their kids regardless of age to be independent thinkers.We talked openly about how therapy has helped her develop healthy coping strategies to deal with her ADHD brain. She has a heart of gold and I am so grateful that she has the courage and confidence to share her story in the hopes of helping others who might be struggling.Be kind to this one sweet friends. Tune in next week for our final guest in this series, our own personal therapist Kimberly Beall who is going to talk about the clinical side of ADHD, clutter and living an organized life.XOXO-LaurieP.S. If you know someone who could benefit from hearing Logan’s story, please share this with them. Our show grows by word of mouth and your continued support. And if you feel so inclined will you leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review so others know our show is worth the listen.Logan’s Book Recommendations:In the Garden of SpiteI’m Glad My Mom Died by Jeannette McCurdy

Hey Friends,In today's episode, I want to share a short action plan for scheduling doctor's appointments. For many people, especially those with busy lives, this task can feel overwhelming and time-consuming. I remember when my kids were young, I felt like I was constantly at the doctor's office due to their various ailments. Now that they're older, they schedule their appointments themselves, but I still have my own appointments to manage.When I talk to people, I often find that they struggle to keep up with making all these appointments and feel like they're constantly rushing and forgetting things. Some people are even in the sandwich generation, responsible for scheduling appointments for both their children and their parents. It can become quite a complex task.That's why it's essential to have strategies to streamline the process. We often prioritize our family's health over our own, but it's important to take care of ourselves too. Whether it's routine checkups, mammograms, pap smears, or other necessary appointments, we tend to put them off because they don't seem urgent compared to other daily tasks.Here’s how to start:Create a centralized system for scheduling and coordinating doctor's appointmentsUse a visual reminder system such as a bulletin board or digital to-do listSchedule appointments in batches to streamline the processBlock out time for making appointments to avoid interruptions and distractionsWrite down details of appointments on physical cards or memos as a backupPut reminders on your calendar for upcoming appointmentsTake a proactive approach to your health and wellness by prioritizing routine checkups and examsPrioritize your health and stop putting yourself on the back burner. Consistency is key, so find a system that works for you and stick to it.For more tips of the week, make sure to subscribe/follow This ORGANIZED Life on YouTube, Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.Have a question or tip you would like to submit?Visit: https://simplyborganized.com/questions/

Hi Friends,We are continuing with our series called “Thriving with ADHD.” Last week we were joined by my hubby Josh who talked about workplace strategies (if you haven’t had a chance to listen, we’ve linked to the episode below)Today we are joined by my friend and colleague Christy Lingo. Christy is a mom to two boys and the founder of the ADHD Mompreneur, where she provides executive function coaching to help moms with ADHD build successful businesses while juggling home life. If you’re a mom who struggles with focus, organization, or goal achievement this episode is for you!During our conversation Christy opens up about:What prompted her to get a diagnosis as an adultHow ADHD presents in her life and where she strugglesThe strategies she has put in place to help her stay organized includingCarrying a spiral notebook to write things down each dayUsing timers and alarms to keep her from losing track of timeChristy created a free download called “11 Essential Checklists for ADHD Mompreneurs” which you can access right here!There is so much great information in this episode. If you know someone who can benefit from hearing Christy’s story, please do them a favor and share it with them!Make sure you tune in next week when my daughter Logan joins us to talk about Thriving in College with ADHD.XOXO-LaurieP.S. It’s not too late to get your FREE all access pass to this year’s Purpose Driven Mom Virtual Summit. The event takes place June 19th-23rd and I’ll be speaking on Summer Routines with Kids. Check out the entire list of speakers and topics, and grab your ticket HERE Connect with ChristyWebsite- www.theadhdmompreneur.comFacebook - www.facebook.com/theadhdmompreneurInstagram - www.instagram.com/theadhdmompreneurTikTok - www.tiktok.com/@theadhdmompreneurLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEBuilding Your Business with 1:1 Mentoring SBO Partner ProgramChristy’s Book Recommendation-Driven to DistractionThriving with ADHD Series

Hey Friends,Today's Tip of the Week-Modeling BehaviorsBack in the 70’s and 80’s when I was growing up there was a “do as I say, not as I do” mentality.From cursing to smoking our parents made it clear that we were to follow their words not their actions, but one of the most impactful learning tools comes from watching and learning from the behaviors from those closest to us.When parents or partners come to me complaining about the disorganization of their cohabitors the first thing I ask is “Are you modeling the behavior that you want to see?”Pointing fingers at others and telling them what they should be doing is easy. Doing the work yourself requires discipline and intentionality.The next time you are feeling like you’re about to go from zero to 100, ask yourself this one question: Am I practicing what I preach?If I want my kids to pick up after themselves, do I leave my stuff around?Do I check my phone during dinner, but expect my kids to be device free?Am I someone who procrastinates, but gets annoyed when others wait until the last minute?Always start with the person in the mirror. Our actions and behaviors have a significant impact on those around us, whether it be our children, spouses, or colleagues. When we model positive behaviors we are creating an environment that fosters growth, development, and independence.For more tips of the week, make sure to subscribe/follow This ORGANIZED Life on YouTube, Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.Have a question or tip you would like to submit?Visit: https://simplyborganized.com/questions/I am pumped to be one of the keynote speakers at this year’s Purpose Driven Mom Virtual Summit.The event takes place June 19th-23rd and it’s completely free-yep you heard me right!

Hi Friends,Today we are kicking off a new series on ADHD and Organization and who better to start us off than our very own laundry-loving Josh Palau.During our conversation we talked about different strategies that Josh uses to try to keep organized. Some work, some not-so-much, like the “15 open email tab method.” ***Note to anyone reading, listening or watching, please do not try this at home!We talked about his ability to be organized with physical stuff, but how that doesn’t necessarily translate into digital clutter, calendar clutter or productivity. The good news is that despite struggling with ADHD and a touch of OCD, he has managed to have an extremely successful career and life.If you are struggling with ADHD or live with someone who is, this series is one you’re going to want to listen to. I always say that the best way to learn about something is to talk to someone who has lived it. We’ve got some great guests lined up for this series-stay tuned!XOXO-LaurieP.S. I am pumped to be one of the keynote speakers at this year’s Purpose Driven Mom Virtual Summit. The event takes place June 19th-23rd and it’s completely free-yep you heard me right!Check out the entire list of speakers and topics, and grab your ticket HERE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEBuilding Your Business with 1:1 Mentoring Josh’s Book Recommendation: Remarkably Bright Creatures

Hey Friends,Today's Tip of the Week- Would I Rebuy This? Do you need help with clutter and deciding what to keep or eliminate? We've all been there. For many people, decluttering brings up emotions like guilt or fear that can cloud your judgment when deciding whether an item is helpful in our lives.We tend to hold onto things because of the memories they evoke, even if they no longer serve a practical purpose. Asking yourself, "Would I rebuy this today if I had the option?" forces you to confront the practicality of the item and takes the focus away from the past, and helps you evaluate the item's true worth in the present. I encourage you to apply this question to your own decluttering journey. It's a powerful tool for cutting through the emotional clutter and making practical decisions. Remember, decluttering is not about getting rid of everything. It's about creating a space that supports and reflects your current lifestyle. By asking this question, you can ensure that your items are truly valuable and useful to you.Key Takeaways:When deciding whether to keep an item, ask yourself, "Would I rebuy this today if I had the option?"Emotions like guilt or fear of missing out can cloud our judgment when it comes to declutteringSentimental items should be considered separately from practical itemsGetting rid of items can be done by donating, selling, or giving away to friends and family

Happy June! On today’s episode we are talking all about redefining routines during the summer months. Joining me today is the founder of Raising Social (who also happens to be my operations manager) Kimberly Hermann. As a working mom to 3 girls ages 9, 11 and 13, I invited her to come on the show to talk about how her family navigates the shift that comes along with the end of the school year.NOTE: If you’re not a parent, or a parent of school age children, there’s still lots of relevant info in this episode! I believe it’s important to reset expectations during each season.During our conversation, Kimberly and I talked about things like:Division of responsibilities around the houseCooking and meal prepHow her work schedule adjusts to accommodate having the kids on a different schedule.Summer is often a good time to help build the muscle of responsibility around the house which is why we created our 30 day kids challenge. Each day has a different task which allows you to gamify the process while helping to teach them important skills about living an organized life.This free downloadable pdf is great for kids ages 5-15. Click HERE to grab your free copy!XOXO-LaurieP.S. I am pumped to be one of the keynote speakers at this year’s Purpose Driven Mom Virtual Summit.The event takes place June 19th-23rd and it’s completely free-yep you heard me right!Check out the entire list of speakers and topics, and grab your ticket HEREOTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Kait Hilton’s My Token ChartJanelle Azar’s Simplifying and Organizing with KidsCONNECT WITH KIMBERLYWEBSITE | INSTAGRAM